Post-lockdown GolfNow Dos and Don’ts
Golf is back! If, like us, you’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment after months of chipping balls into a bucket in the garden and putting balls into teacups in the hallway, then you’ll want to get out and play as soon as possible.
On the 29th March golf will be available in Scotland, Wales, England, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Courses in Northern Ireland will reopen to members from 1st April and to visitors from the 12th. Golf in Ireland is currently unavailable but we are hopeful of further developments in the days and weeks ahead.
Before you tee off, here is a simple list of GolfNow dos and don’ts to help you nail post lockdown golf etiquette.
DO
Book your tee time online with GOLFNOW! Visit our Courses Near Me page to find out which courses are available to book right now in your area.
Please note that some courses are currently prioritising their members, so visitor tee times may not be available at your closest courses. Allowed to travel? You can change your search radius on the lefthand side of the page if you’re willing to travel a little further than usual to play.
DON’T
Rock up without a booking and expect to get out and play. As you can probably imagine, demand is sky-high at the moment and it’s vitally important the courses know who is playing and when so they can maintain social distancing on the course.
DO
Book a round for yourself or with a member of your family. If playing with a friend from another household, be sure to stay safe and follow the social distancing measures in place at the club.
DON’T
Be disappointed if you can’t hire a buggy. Many clubs will be restricting buggy hire initially. Some clubs may make buggies available for single-person use. Try not to let this get in the way of your game – we’ve waited long enough!
DO
Pay before you play. With GOLFNOW you can pay your visitor green fees online before you tee off so you don’t need to visit the pro shop or clubhouse (many of which will still be closed to the public).
DON’T
Touch anything, with the exception of your own golf gear. No lifting flagpins, using rakes, ball washers, benches etc.
DO
Appreciate the incredible efforts of the greenkeeping and clubhouse staff in getting courses operational at very short notice to enjoy your round!
DON’T
Go to the first tee until it is your turn to tee off. In fact, it is best not to arrive too early for your round to avoid groups of people congregating in the carpark or near the first tee.
And remember to wait your turn for the practice area too, allow those on the tee sheet in front of you to go first.
DO
Bring your lunch or brekkie with you. Most clubs won’t have kitchen facilities open and may not have the pro shop available for snacks either. Remember to pack your litter in your bag if bins aren’t currently available on course.
DON’T
Shake hands after the game! We know it’s second nature for golfers, but we gently suggest you use a friendly nod.
DO
Head straight home after your round.
And finally….
DO
Follow the very latest guidance from the golfing unions in your area.
Golf Ireland | Wales Golf | Scottish Golf | England Golf
Thanks for reading our GOLFNOW dos and don’ts – Now, Go Play!